High-frequency ultrasound probes deliver improved visualisation of bones, joints & soft tissues for patients at Addenbrooke’s Hospital

The widening range of diagnostic ultrasound probes available on the Aplio i-series ultrasound system is expanding the possibilities for Musculoskeletal (MSK) radiology clinical practice and reducing the need for MRI scan appointments at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, part of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Using high-frequency 24 MHz and 33 MHz linear matrix technology probes, the clinical team is gaining improved anatomical detail of superficial structures such as nerves and tendons in hands and fingers. This will help with hand and wrist injury explorations and provide greater detail in pre and post-operative examinations.

“The advantages of the innovation in high-frequency ultrasound probes mean gaining greater imaging detail to support clinical confidence. This includes giving excellent image resolution of superficial or close-to-skin surface structures such as nerves under the skin, to help identify damage following surgery or explore causes of a patient’s loss of sensation,” states Dr Andrew Grainger, Consultant MSK Radiologist at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The improved image quality from new probes improve capabilities to explore tendon injuries in fingers and hands. This can be to assess subtle damage from glass or knife injuries or post-operative issues.

There are also time and process savings that the development in ultrasound probes will also help with. For example, it takes 15 minutes to do a complicated MSK ultrasound scan compared to 30-45 minutes for an MRI scan and the additional administration associated with the paperwork for patient consent. So, being able to do a simple ultrasound examination and gain superb image detail to base decisions on is much better for improving the patient experience and care journey. Furthermore, it is this improvement in image quality that will also help with surgical planning. Traditionally, surgeons like MRI scan images as they show anatomical detail as true-to-life for procedural planning. With ultrasound, clinicians are now able to deliver comparable or even better superficial imaging, there is the potential to change the way radiology and surgery work together.

Iain Dunn, Business Development Manager & Territory Sales Manager Ultrasound at Canon Medical Systems UK states, “The constant development of medical technology is adding more advantages to clinical practice efficiency and improving the quality of patient care. The evolution in high-frequency ultrasound transducers means that it isn’t only the system that needs to be selected, but also the probes that are designed to broaden clinical application and offer better imaging outcomes compared to lower frequency probes and some MRIs. It is great to hear that patients at Addenbrooke’s Hospital are already benefitting from the innovation and that their MSK care is being enhanced.”

Photo caption 1: Dr Andrew Grainger, Consultant MSK Radiologist at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Photo caption 2&3: The widening range of diagnostic ultrasound probes available on the Aplio i-series ultrasound system is expanding the possibilities for Musculoskeletal (MSK) radiology clinical practice.

First AI-assisted Deep Learning scanners added to diagnostic imaging fleet

InHealth, the UK’s largest specialist provider of diagnostic and healthcare solutions, has recently increased its fleet of mobile CT scanners by selecting a number of new AI-assisted Aquilion Prime SP CTs from Canon Medical Systems UK.

The fully managed mobile CT services using the new Aquilion scanners will be provided to both NHS and independent sectors to help increase capacity of scanning to patients and enhance the quality of care provided. The new CT scanners are powered by an Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE) to deliver high-quality medical imaging at speed and at low dose. This helps speed up image acquisition and reduces the need for imaging retakes, giving more time for quality patient care and expanding imaging capacity.

Martyn Beckett, Director of Operations, Mobile Fleet at InHealth states, “The new orders from Canon Medical UK are the latest in a decade-long CT partnership. The evolving technology is great to keep pace with our customers’ imaging needs as AI-assisted CT will future-proof capabilities for quick and confident diagnostic imaging. Plus, the after-sales service and support delivered is first class – our training needs are met, and faults can be fixed remotely to keep our downtime to a minimum.”

Colin Murray, Account Manager at Canon Medical Systems UK states, “It is great to have another wave of CT orders from InHealth and play our part in keeping high-quality mobile imaging on the road. By introducing AI-assisted CT, radiographers can be assured of gaining higher quality images first time without noise distortion, and radiologists will have superior images for interpretation at a much lower dose for the patient.”

Photo caption: InHealth, the UK’s largest specialist provider of diagnostic and healthcare solutions, has further increased its fleet of mobile CT scanners by selecting new AI-assisted Aquilion Prime SP CTs from Canon Medical Systems UK.

 

Socially distanced, practical courses announced to inspire confidence & build new skills

A gentle return to valuable ‘hands-on’, accredited CPD training workshops offered by Canon Medical and Wessex Diagnostic has been announced for Summer & Autumn 2021. Four socially distanced courses* are to be run, offering a mix of lectures by faculty members aimed at developing knowledge and technology focused workshops using the latest ultrasound imaging equipment to practice investigation protocols:

  • Carotid Ultrasound Imaging: 6 July, Birmingham: A one-day training course on the application of B-scan and duplex, pulsed wave, colour and power Doppler techniques in the investigation of the extracranial and intracranial vasculature.
  • Vascular Ultrasound Imaging: 6-7 July, Birmingham & 21-22 September, Manchester: An intensive two-day course on the application of duplex, pulsed wave, colour and power Doppler techniques in the investigation of the abdominal, extra and intra-cranial and peripheral vasculature.
  • Venous Ultrasound Imaging: 6 November, London: A one-day specialist Venous course focusing on ultrasound colour duplex imaging of the deep and superficial venous system.

Each session will be led by Wessex Diagnostic’s dedicated faculty representatives, some of the UK’s foremost hospital ultrasound specialists and leaders in their field, who enjoy inspiring and engaging delegates with their expertise. This includes Dr Colin Deane from King’s College London; Professor Neil Pugh from Cardiff University, Wales; Mr Tim Hartshorne from Leicester Royal Infirmary; and Mr Alok Tiwari from Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

“We are excited to announce our first socially-distanced practical ultrasound course, after a challenging year for physical training courses and events,” states Helen Humphries, Director at Wessex Diagnostic. “Nothing beats theory sessions supported by ultrasound scanning practice, under the guiding hands of our highly skilled faculty. Here delegates can bounce ideas off some of the leading lights in the ultrasound sector. We’re delighted to be offering delegates a safe learning space, keeping the courses small, and starting to get ultrasound training back on track.”

“We are delighted to be in the process of planning to meet imaging professionals again this year, supporting this education programme with a range of ultrasound systems. Receiving highly skilled support, of hands on practice, is an extremely valued aspect of ultrasound courses – it helps to inspire confidence in newly developed skills, which can then be used clinically, for the benefit of both patients and colleagues. The feedback in past years has always been complementary with regard to the practical sessions, states Sally Davey, Ultrasound Product Manager at Canon Medical Systems UK.

For more information or to book a place visit Canon Medical’s online education platform, The Imaging Academy, https://imaging-academy.co.uk/.

*Subject to Government guidance

Photo caption: Canon Medical Systems UK and Wessex Diagnostic training courses for 2021 have been announced. [Illustrating image from early 2020 session pre-Covid].

Microvascular imaging & matrix probe innovations enhance detail and resolution for better quality diagnostic ultrasound care in the North East

Obstetrics and Gynaecology patients at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and Friarage Hospital in Northallerton are benefitting from improved ultrasound imaging and fewer invasive procedures due to the arrival of seven new ultrasound systems.

The Aplio i700 ultrasound systems from Canon Medical Systems update the imaging capabilities in Women’s Health at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust will now be able to deliver Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI), a colour Doppler technology that can visualise low-velocity microvascular flow in foetus and placenta, and matrix wide-band probe technology that offers better resolution in patients with higher BMI. The exceptional image quality will help give more confidence to clinical interpretation, meaning fewer patient image recalls and fewer invasive, internal probe examinations.

“First-time image success is better for our expectant mothers or concerned gynaecology patients,” states Kendra Exley, Lead Sonographer at The James Cook University Hospital. “The SMI innovation on the Aplio i700 ultrasound systems means that we get a much clearer view of small vessels of the foetus giving confidence in what we are seeing. The matrix probes are also better for ladies with higher BMI as they can provide improved image penetration through abdominal tissue and avoid the need for uncomfortable internal transducers.”

She continues, “We have a great relationship with Canon Medical and have worked with them for over 25 years. Image quality, reliability, value for money and the after-sales care and applications support are just a few of the many reasons we keep coming back.”

“Delivering accurate and high-quality patient services in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is essential. So, too, is the selection of diagnostic ultrasound imaging tools that ensure the best possible image quality for making clinical decisions and providing comfortable examinations to patients. We look forward to continuing our close partnership working with South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust,” states Rosie Beattie, Ultrasound Regional Manager at Canon Medical Systems UK.

Photo caption: Seven Aplio i700 ultrasound systems from Canon Medical Systems update the imaging capabilities in Women’s Health at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Pictured: Nicola Hunt, Trainee Midwife Sonographer; Danielle Vout, Sonographer; Kendra Exley, Lead Sonographer; Sean Gibson, Ultrasound Applications Specialist at Canon Medical Systems UK; and Penny Hepplestone, Sonographer at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.